Kelly Fletcher has joined executive chef Charles Kassels as chef de cuisine at the historic El Chorro restaurant in Paradise Valley.

Best known for the 10 years he spent heading up the kitchen at Tempe's House of Tricks, Fletcher has been waiting for the right long-term opportunity to present itself since leaving the Revival in Tempe in February. The restaurant closed in September.

Kassels is confident he has the talent he needs to bring some fresh ideas to El Chorro’s menu.

“I’ve known (Fletcher) for years, and I loved his food when he was at House of Tricks,” Kassels said. “He’s going to be chef de cuisine, in charge of creativity.”

Both chefs are quick to point out that they are looking to make modest adjustments while maintaining the restaurant’s classic feel.

“We want to revamp the menu a little bit, but keeping it within our brand, and I think Kelly’s food is perfect for it. It’s very approachable and playful, and a lot of fun and tastes great,” Kassels said.

Fletcher characterized his mandate along similar lines: “We’re just trying to add a little jazz to it.”

He joined the kitchen at El Chorro in September, and will be running the kitchen on a nightly basis.

Kelly Fletcher has joined El Chorro as the new Chef de Cuisine under Charlie Kassels(Photo: John Samora/The Republic)

“I’m having a really good time,” Fletcher said. “I love Charlie and I love working with him.”

“(Fletcher) is a fun guy and very talented and creative,” Kassels said. “I enjoy working with him and playing in the kitchen with him, and so far, it’s been great.”

Diners can expect to see Fletcher’s influence on the menu at El Chorro in the coming months.